Long-stay visas (Type D)
Bulgarian EU Blue Card
An EU-wide work-and-residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals employed in Bulgaria above a set salary threshold, recognised across member states.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issued by
- Employment Agency (highly-qualified employment decision) + Migration Directorate, MVR
- Qualification bar
- Higher-education degree or equivalent higher professional skills
- Salary threshold
- At least 1.5x the national average gross salary
- The exact monetary figure is updated periodically and is redenominated in euro from 2026 — verify the current amount before relying on it
- Minimum contract
- Highly qualified job of at least 6 months
- Validity
- Up to 5 years (minimum 24 months); shorter contracts get contract length plus 3 months
Who it's for
- Highly qualified non-EU/EEA/Swiss professionals with a university degree or equivalent higher professional experience
- Skilled hires whose salary meets the Blue Card threshold
- Workers who want easier movement to, and residence in, other EU member states over time
Requirements
- Work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment of at least 6 months
- Gross salary at or above the Bulgarian Blue Card threshold (about 1.5x the national average)
- Recognised higher-education qualification (or equivalent higher professional skills where allowed)
- Valid passport and travel document
- Health insurance and proof of accommodation
- Criminal record certificate
What you can do
- Live and work in a highly qualified role in Bulgaria
- Benefit from more favourable family reunification than the ordinary work permit
- Move more easily to other EU countries under EU Blue Card mobility rules after a qualifying period
- Count Blue Card time toward EU long-term resident status
How to apply
The employer applies for a highly-qualified-employment (Blue Card) decision through the Employment Agency / relevant government service.
With a positive decision, the applicant obtains a type 'D' long-stay visa at the competent Bulgarian consulate.
After arrival, the applicant attends the regional Migration Directorate in person for biometrics and issuance of the Blue Card residence document, renewing before it expires.
Documents
- Valid passport with type 'D' visa
- Highly qualified employment contract / binding offer meeting the salary threshold
- Diploma or proof of recognised higher qualification / professional skills
- Health insurance valid in Bulgaria
- Proof of accommodation
- Criminal record certificate
- Completed forms and applicable fees
Frequently asked questions
At least 1.5 times the average gross salary in Bulgaria. The precise figure is revised periodically and is stated in euro from 2026, so confirm the current threshold with the Employment Agency or EU immigration portal before applying.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Bulgarian visas
- WORKJOB OFFERNON-EUSingle Residence and Work PermitA combined work-and-residence permit for non-EU nationals hired by a Bulgarian employer under a local labour contract, covering both the right to live and to work in one document.View visa details
- BUSINESSSELF-EMPLOYEDNON-EUPermit for Freelance (Self-Employed) ActivitiesA permit for non-EU professionals who want to work independently in Bulgaria as freelancers rather than as employees of a local company.View visa details
- STUDYFULL-TIMENON-EULong-Stay Study Residence PermitA long-stay route for non-EU students admitted to full-time education at a Bulgarian university or school, granting residence for the duration of their course.View visa details